NBA Betting Scandal, Adam Silver: “Deeply Disturbed”
Adam Silver breaks his silence on the betting scandal that has shaken the NBA following the indictments of Terry Rozier and Chauncey Billups
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said he was “deeply disturbed” by the federal charges involving Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups.
These were Silver’s first public comments since Thursday’s announcement of two major federal investigations into illegal betting and game-fixing, which led to the indictment of 34 individuals, including former player and assistant coach Damon Jones.
My initial reaction was one of deep disturbance. There’s nothing more important to the league and to its fans than the integrity of the competition. I felt a knot in my stomach — it was very upsetting
Adam Silver
Silver recalled that the league had already investigated Rozier back in March 2023, when suspicious betting activity surfaced around a game between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Charlotte Hornets, Rozier’s team at the time.
The irregularities were reported to authorities by legal betting platforms that had detected unusual wagers linked to that game.
We were notified by regulators and betting companies. We immediately investigated with complete transparency, but we found no violations of NBA rules
Adam Silver
According to court documents, Rozier allegedly informed a childhood friend, Deniro Laster – who has also been indicted – of his plan to leave the game in the first quarter while faking an injury. Laster then reportedly sold that information to two bettors for about $100,000.
The involved parties allegedly placed bets on the under for Rozier’s performance, and indeed, he exited the game after just nine minutes, finishing with 5 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists. Investigators claim the wagers generated hundreds of thousands of dollars in winnings.
Rozier and Billups have been suspended indefinitely. The league stated in a press release that it is fully cooperating with federal authorities, who – as Silver emphasized – possess investigative powers far beyond those of the NBA.
The federal government can compel testimony, can threaten jail time – they have tools we don’t. We’ve been fully cooperative from the start. As of now, Rozier has not been convicted, but the situation remains very serious
Adam Silver
The involvement of high-profile figures like Rozier, Billups, and former player Damon Jones casts a dark shadow over the NBA’s reputation. The incident also risks reigniting debate about the impact of legal sports betting and the flow of gambling money increasingly intertwined with professional basketball.
Silver has pledged full transparency as the investigation continues, reiterating that the league’s top priority is to “protect fan trust and preserve the integrity of the game”.